In the modern world we are under increasing pressure to look good whether it be the clothes we wear or our body weight. Each day we are exposed to relentless adverts that appear on the TV and advertisements in magazines promoting an image to how we should look. Many of these images of supermodels are an unrealistic image that many people cannot achieve. Our lives have become more hectic that we rarely have any time to prepare a healthy meal and eat it. However, with a few changes you can make a real difference in the way you live.

Check out these tips to manage your diet and health more effectively:

Goal Setting

The process begins by setting down a few simple and achievable goals. These can include for example, to make and eat 3 healthy meals each week and to do 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise 3 times a week.

Create A Progress Journal

Once you have finalised and agreed your goals write them down on paper or even better keep a progress journal. This is a great way to monitor your behaviour, emotions and thoughts as you go through the process of achieving your goals. By monitoring your habits you identify possible triggers that may prevent you from following through on your goals.

An important part about living a healthier lifestyle is to change your eating habits. This also includes when you eat. For example, if you tend to eat in the late evening or night then, this is a habit you need to stop immediately as this makes you put on more weight as well as interfere with your sleep. If you do need a snack eat one that is natural, low in calories and with no sugar. As a general rule do not eat any later than 8pm.

The Most Important Meal Of The Day

Many people who live a busy lifestyle miss out on breakfast either because they have no time or they falsely think they will lose weight. This could not be further from the truth. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day as the body needs food first thing to sustain it through the day. Having no breakfast affects performance and lowers your energy levels which increase your need to binge on snacks during the day.

Snacking

It is OK to eat snacks during meals as long as they are healthy ones. Avoid sugary snacks such as candy, crisps or chocolate. Eat fruit, nuts and low fat yogurt as a healthier alternative.

Foods to avoid

Make sure you avoid processed foods, fast foods and sugary breakfast cereals.